Are you still recommending the lateral pulldown with the bar behind the neck (from the gym chapter of Strong Women Stay Young)? Someone warned me that doing them in that manner was bad for the neck.

More and more trainers and fitness centers are encouraging their clients to do the lateral pulldown by pulling the bar in front of their body instead of behind the head. This is a cautious way to do this exercise, and it's especially useful for people who might be prone to neck, shoulder and upper back problems. I've used both variations of the move with my research volunteers, and we've never had any problem either way. You can discuss the question with a trainer at your gym. Regardless which way you do the move, please observe this important caution: Always check the cables before you begin. If they are frayed, call the problem to the attention of an attendant and don't use the machine.